Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[LookinUp]

Whoo hoo!!!! Such a loving, smart DH to encourage you to go solo. We can be our best selves for others when we are good to ourselves. So excited for you, for all the fun, exploring, DISmeets, extra sleep, & sheer freedom of a solo trip! And as ever, the blissful feeling of a trip coming up soon is such good medicine.

BTW -- Maybe it's just my Flintstones computer, but I see only one ticker in your siggie, for the solo trip. No cruise ticker. Any advice on changing settings so all tickers show up?

 

[pinkxray]

Congrats on your job and the solo trip

A solo trip sounds amazing. DH has said he refuses to go back for a few years, but has no problems with me going by myself. As long as I am the one to tell my 6 year old daughter I am going to Disney with out her. Not too sure how well that would turn out. However I do turn 30 next year and I think that is a perfect excuse for at least a solo weekend right?

 

[disneydusted]

Brook, I've been so busy and haven't been on here for a week and now besides a TA job you have not one but two trips planned!! Awesome!!! I do believe you are the Disney Queen! Pretty soon you will need to get on the Mom's Panel!

 

[jenjolt]

HOLD UP!! You'll be there THROUGH the First...as in you could meet me in the morning somewhere on the 1st (I had to change my flight due to work stuff and won't be getting in until late on the 31st, boo although this makes me want to switch it back to the 6:30pm arrival LOL!!!) but either way we could have a drive by meeting of some sort!!!!!


WOOT WOOT for solo trips! I have loved my solo time at Disney!!!

 

[PirateKate]

Wow, a solo trip and a cruise! I'm sure you're going to have a great time. Have you picked a resort yet?

 

[brookelizabeth]

That video of Henry opening the monorail is so cute. I did not realize it had audio either. Very cute.

I love your Photopass pics. They came out great.

Woo Hoo for a cruise. That is great.

Looks like you had a great morning at MK. I did watch the video of the Teacups but I won't be riding it for real.

The monorail is a great toy! Henry is already asking for the expansion pieces of course!

It was a good morning at MK! It wasn't quite how I had planned or imagined it, but all well - we were having fun! And at this point I knew we had plenty of time to get it all in. Riiiiiiight?!

I cannot explain how excited I am for the cruise! I keep seeing pics and reading tidbits

Great updates!! I loved the video of Henry opening the monorail. His little voice is adorable.

Looks like you had a fun morning at MK. Can't wait to hear more.

That's his little groggy voice. He was still a bit out of it when we sprung that on him!

Mine would do that too so we would slip in a "Do you want candy?" or something we knew they would want when they would "NO" us to death just to trip them up to listen.

I think he was just being 3.

That's funny about the candy! I am so gonna pull that one on H.

That video of Henry is too precious. I love the way he was shaking. So refreshing to see an appreciative child. Too often I see children just open gifts and act as if they are expected and never say thank you. Your doing an amazing job with him!

Oh, thank you!!! I feel like he's too spoiled, being an only child. But, we do try! He's very into Tron right now (Joe got the movie for his birthday) and keeps saying "We can go to the toy store and get me a Tron motorcycle!" and then asking "Where is my Tron motorcycle?" Sooooo...I'm purposely holding off on getting him one so he learns that he doesn't always get exactly what he wants, when he wants it! Tough lesson!

Wow. I am like 14 pages behind. Just doing the skim thing to catch up. I love Henry taking a food picture. That is so cool and cute.

I notice there isn't a ticker in your signature...

Ok, now I have about 10 more pages to read

No worries on the skimming! I SO understand! I'm still a bazillion years behind here.

So thats why there is no ticker. I wasn;t sure if you were keeping it quiet or not.

Yep! No, I'm shouting it from the mountain tops! LOL and your pictures are KILLING ME! I cannot wait!!!!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow what an awesome gift the monorail set must have been for Henry, that was so nice of her and I love the video of him opening it

It sounds your day was off to a great start and I can't wait to hear about lunch at the plaza!

It was, I'm still in awe of her graciousness!! He just loves it!

I hope to get to the Plaza tonight or tomorrow. I wanted to have it posted already, but time has been slipping through my fingers lately.

Lovin' all the Magic Kingdom fun!

I have looked at the monorail set about 400 times, but no purchase yet. It is very cool. I want to put it around my little Christmas tree.

I think that would go just perfectly in your house MeMom! Plus, you have two little girls that would LOVE seeing it there!

Love the monorail set. I was eying it the whole time I was there and then when I watched the video I realized I want it even more! lol

I love the teacups. They are so fun! Spin me any which way, I dont mind!!

LOL - it's a very cool toy, isn't it? I wish we had a space big enough for a table where we could leave it set up for a while.

Yes, we have EPCOT and the Contemporary. I thought we had one more, but I can't remember right now. I remember getting them off the website when they had a 20% off sale and because I spent over XX amount I also got free shipping. EPCOT is cool however the CR is the best since the monorail goes *through* it (as I'm sure you're aware lol) and my DS just loves that. I've also bought several of the character packs that go in or on the monorail but they are extremely teeny tiny.

Heather

Oooh you got a deal! And yes, that is EXACTLY why H wants the CR, it's the "tunnel". So very, very cool! I wish they still made it, it's around $100 on eBay now. Maybe they will bring it back. We bought a pack of the little guys too - I try to keep them IN the monorail, but who knows, they could be anywhere by now!

Wow! You have had some really exciting couple of weeks...potty training and now all the great news, first of all:

1. Congrats on the TA position that is very cool
2. YAY for cruise sounds great we are SUPER excited about the NYC news.

I love Henry's Cars sunglasses those are very cool lol! I watched your teacup video it was great! That's one of my favorite rides

Can't wait to see the Pooh photos... our MK was a rainy day so most rides were walk ons we didn't spend too much time playing on the line.

It has been an exciting time! Potty training, TA, cruise and now a solo trip!!!! I can't believe all this exciting stuff is happening at once!

Score on the walk-ons! We didn't really have that experience at ALL this trip. I queue is really a lot of fun...we had so much fun we never went on the ride.

So how is Henry doing?

With the potty training? Or just in general? Well, either one I guess - he's doing good! Getting to be such a big boy, it amazes me most days. Learning so much, growing right before my eyes. He's so ready for pre-school, he tells me all the time he looks forward to it!

Brook! Congratulations on the Travel Agency gig! That job sounds like an absolute. Dream. Pleeeease keep us updated on the adventures you will surely have with such a job! And a DOUBLE congrats on booking a Disney CRUISE. Now I'm just becoming jealous of your life. Surely you'll make some extra Disney trips between then and now to hold you over, right? It's an awfully long time to wait!


Great updates as well. I've always wanted to see the Welcome show on Main Street, but i think we're always in Fantasyland trying to beat the crowds when it plays. And I looove making people dizzy on the teacups, muahahaa.

Henry's a cutie as always, what luck with the monorail set. More money for even MORE souvies now!

I will definitely be keeping everyone posted on the adventures with the job! I DO hope there are some! And yes, we will be having at least one Disney trip (well, two for me!) between now and the cruise in June 2012. We are planning for the last full week of February 2012, Henry has school off, and it's a great time of the year to go! But, we most likely won't have any more family trips in 2011 unless that money tree decides to finally grow! Aside from my quick solo trip.

All the best DISers are already in Fantasyland during the Welcome/Trolley song/show! We are the type that usually miss RD by about 30 minutes no matter how hard we try!

 

[brookelizabeth]

All caught up! Great updates!! Congrats on the TA job. Sounds like a good fit for you. I am at the point that working part time is a good fit for me. Congrats on booking the cruise!!

Thank you Mary! I'm really excited about the job and loving it so far!!

Congrats on the job - that is great news!
I pursued a Disney TA job a couple of years ago, but it was not meant to be. Maybe someday...

I hope you are able to fulfill that dream if you still want it! It's quite a bit of computer time, but it's enjoyable - so it's not too shabby of a way to make an extra buck.

I'm SO not caught up now!! Congratulations on the TA job!! I'm so excited for you!! I really need to get my ducks in a row (Donalds?) so that I can do this too!

Thank you!!! about the Donald ducks in a row! I have thought about it for a long time, and researched it out a bit, and it just was the right time!

Loved the MK update Brook!!!!

I was really, really excited when you mentioned getting a PhotoPass picture in front of the statue!!! I've never been able to get a picture of it or in front of it because we've always been there during the busiest crowds! (I'm sure you remember my last TR when I was yelling at a guy 50 feet away from me because his red hat was ALWAYS in the way of my pictures! ) Anyway, even though you didn't get a photo of the statue in the background, both of the pictures turned out amazing!!! I really liked the picture of you & Joe kissing Henry! Too sweet!!!!

Luke really enjoys following along with your reports & seeing the pictures of Henry! I really hope they are able to meet someday! Maybe some year when our schedules match up, we could plan "on-site training" with Jen & all go together with our families!

I am honestly still spinning from that video of the tea cups --- whoa!

But I'm glad that I watched it because I've always been curious what it would be like to video it. Last trip, I considered it but the video quality on my cell stinks! Plus Luke was crying hysterically the entire time so it wouldn't have been a very good video! I really want to take more videos on our September trip. I have a small pocket camcorder so it will be perfect for the parks!

What kind of camera bag do you use? I know you mentioned a backpack -- is it a regular backpack, Lowepro bag, or another camera bag? I'm really torn because I just threw my camera in my Vera last trip -- but now with the Xsi, I really don't want to do that! I've been considering the Lowepro Flipside 200 or 400 but I'm not sure. I don't like to carry around separate bags (diapers/Luke's stuff, my purse contents/phone/wallet, camera w/extra batteries/memory cards, etc) -- I'd rather consolidate everything into one. Of course my goal for our September trip is to have Luke potty trained so we will have 1 less thing to carry around!

I learned something from your update that I didn't know before! I knew they were expanding Dumbo but I didn't realize they were naming that section of the park. I just thought it was all referred to as Fantasyland -- so I'm excited to see the new banner posted on the construction wall! On our trip, the restaurant ones were up, but I never saw that last one before! Glad you took a photo of it & posted it!

I was so sad to see Pete's Garage & the ToonTown walls in your update. I miss Mickey & Minnie's house sooooooo much already! And it doesn't help that everytime Luke wears a Disney shirt, he points to Mickey & says "Mommy, this is Mickey -- where is Mickey's house? where did his house go?" He's heard me talk to my mom about the houses & how upset I am they are gone. Kids pick up on everything we say, don't they?!?

Love all of your pictures as usual!!!! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!!!! Its also great to see that cruise ticker in your siggie!!!

I like your idea of us all hooking up for some training! Me likes a lot! Wouldn't that be a blast?

We have a Lowepro bag, it's a one shoulder type. We don't use it in the parks very often, mainly just for when we are actually traveling. In the parks one of us has it out all the time, slung around our neck. We are THOSE people taking pictures of everything---as you can tell. We have all of Henry's stuff in a stroller bag that is mesh (see through-easy in the bag checks!). This works slick. Quick through the bag check and hands free.

Yep! That new Dumbo area is called Storybook Circusland and will be circus themed. Inside will be the 2 Dumbos, the Barnstormer re-themed at The Great Goofini, a big 'ol gift shop, a children's play area (water I believe), and a meet & greet. I'm not sure if they are adding any other actual rides or not at some point. I think it can be really cool if they do it well!

I still can't believe they just tore down Mickey & Minnie's houses! They were so awesome! I wish they would have built those into Circusland somehow...maybe re-theme them so it looks like Mickey & Minnie are going off to perform in the circus or something. It's sad. That is even more sad about Luke asking! Poor baby! We just call the Castle Mickey's House.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was born in NY, and Black & Whites to me where always a specifically New York Jewish cookie. They were always in Jewish bakeries. Here in Northern Virginia, we've been able to get them from Costco (but they're like a whole tub of mini ones ) and at Wegmans, also mini, imported from a kosher bakery in New York. I love the REAL giant ones from NY. My favorite cookie.

So you're saying that the inside of the Cantina, the same tables that are QS during the day are TS in the evening? Weird! I have scored a seat at the old Cantina for dinner and Illuminations. It was great after all the umbrellas were folded down. My Go-To spot though is England's Rose & Crown. Our trip last Nov we ate at the San Angel Inn, no ADR, for lunch. Was disappointed with the churro though. Should have gotten the flan. My sister had it and it was yummy.

I had NO idea that as DVC members we could pick our meal plan by the day! That'd be great to be able to only have the meal plan for a few of the days since we do like to eat some meals in our DVC kitchen..like breakfast.

forgive this for being a really long post... I had nearly 30 pages to catch up!
A comment about him being scared on TT. No problem understanding THAT one! When I was a kid and teen, I had no problem going on Splash Mountain (and a similar log flume at Kings Dominion) over and over.... now.. as an adult that drop at the end petrifies me. I had to watch Youtube videos of the ride over and over to figure out exactly where I was scared, so I'd know when NOT to look. That worked.. and in 2010 I FINALLY went on it again after what? 20 years? My Heidi was not afraid of HM at 3, but at 8 she didn't want to have anything to do with "pretend" ghosts... she flatly stated that she was afraid of "pretend" ghosts! Not the real ones mind you! :laugh:

I had no idea they were considered a Jewish cookie! Starbucks even has them now.

Yep! Inside the La Cantina there are inside tables and outside tables. At lunch it's ALL for the CS. At dinner it's just the outside. The inside is then a TS. It is kind of a crazy set-up. I meant to go in during lunch to check out the interior, but never did...perhaps next month!

Isn't that DVC pick & choose dining plan a great perk?! There were a few "issues" with it that you can read about on the DVC boards here - there is a thread all about segmenting that I posted in during our stay. I'll explain them here too for other DVCers. But the issues weren't major at all. The savings was well worth it to me!

That's funny about Heidi being afraid of pretend ghosts! Kids can be that way though, their logic...or wait, lack there of!

Congrats on the TA job and the cruise!

Thank you!!!!

Hope, you're just going to have to plan a trip to DL! The Toontown there seriously blows the one that used to be in WDW away. Call it a research trip

Oooh, I like the way you think!

Congratulations on the new job and the new cruise! I'll be very interested in reading the TR for the cruise. We went on a cruise before we had kids and loved it, but I'm not sure what cruising with a little kid would be like. Henry is going on the cruise, too, right?

Too bad Henry didn't want to get his haircut, but I think it was smart not to push it. It looks like you all found plenty of other fun things to do. The Mad Tea Party seemed like fun. I love it to get those teacups spinning really fast.

Yep! He sure is!! We waited until he was potty trained so he could go into the Kids Clubs. He was too old that he wouldn't really enjoy the nursery and he'd want to be in the Clubs - so after he potty trained, we booked it! The Clubs look AMAZING. I read report after report about their children loving the clubs. Plus, Pirate Night! Everyone dresses up like a pirate for dinner and there is a pirate party and fireworks at sea. He's going to go crazy for that! I'll definitely be writing a PTR and TR for it all and report back with his reactions. He'll be 4.5 by then too, so hopefully I'll be able to get some emotions out of him of what he liked and didn't like.

Subscribing...Looks like you and your family had an amazing trip. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of it.

Thank you for reading! More coming SOON!

OK, so you warned us that the teacups video might be too much for someone with a weak stomach. Well, gosh, not a problem for me, since I only get tummyquakes when I'm physically on a spinning ride. And I *loved* the ride! Really, I loved Henry loving the ride. I truly didn't have any ill effects while watching. But then, a couple of times *today* while thinking of the video, I actually felt just a twitch of queasiness. How crazy is that?

Hilarious!!! My video has a delayed reaction!

 

[luvfigment]

So exciting for you! You are going to have a great time on your Solo trip plus the cruise! Can't wait to hear about both of them and the rest of your trip.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Congrats (again) on the TA job and the cruise, you will be amazing and how very fun to leave from NY!

I can't get over the nose picker....EWW.

So very sweet about the monorail, that's wonderful.

I didn't even notice the nose picker until my picture! Oopsie!

I am THRILLED about the Magic coming to NYC! I want to be there when she sails in...or better yet ON IT. I've been stalking the TA Itinerary page for a repositioning cruise.

too bad Henry wasn't interested in a haircut. I booked a time for the boys to get colored and pixie dusted in June. Part of me thinks Daniel won't want it done (he's very picky about his hair, doesn't like it to be messed up or sticking up in any way) I may just hop in the chair if he won't

There you go! I think I'll adopt that idea for next time! After all, we had the appointment! I would have loved pink hair goop and pixie dust.

Thanks for the idea Michelle!!!!

I've seen pictures of the Toontown at DL & it really does look alot better than the one at WDW! All of my friends from CA say its because the one in DL is "the real one!"

After going through the training, I have a TON of ideas! I really want to go on the Adventures by Disney for Arizona/Utah -- I've always wanted to travel out West! I'm also trying to convince my dad he needs to visit Italy through ABD!

The more I read about DL, the more I want to go there. They have the local population of regular visitors, so they seem to stay on top of things a bit more. Not that I have ANY probs with WDW, but DL always gets the newest things before we do. *pout*

I am so ready for my ABD trip too. They look AMAZING! The DIS owners have gone on a couple and reported about them on the Podcast. Someday...

Subbing!

Love your TR so far. You have such a cute family! Can't wait to hear more!

Thank you for reading!!! I hope to get more posted tonight or tomorrow - work has been eating up my time, but in a good way!

What a cute video of Henry opening up his suitcase!

Sorry your morning wasn't to plan but having a sky like that and being in MK, you couldn't be disappointed!

I've heard of people waiting 2-3 hours to see Rapunzel. UGH! (thank goodness we saw her in December )

For the record.... I didn't watch the video on the teacups- I just ate!

Exactly! The morning wasn't how I imagined it, but who was I to complain? 2 weeks in front of me, great weather, life was goooooood!

2-3 hours?!?! That's CRAZY! Wow. I'm grateful for having a boy!

Good idea to skip the teacups video...it could have been hazardous!

 

[brookelizabeth]

How fun! Where are you going to stay?

Well...that's an interesting story...when I booked my plane ticket I didn't have a room yet. I called today...I'm still homeless one night, 1 at SSR and 2 at OKW.

Oh boy do I get that. Actually getting a overnight w/ the girls trip to Atlantic City for my Bday. We all need a Mommy break . Between school, soccer, baseball, homework, house work, cooking, laundry....I sometimes feel blessed just to get a shower.

It's true! We do need a break! I'm the type of person too that needs some alone time to recharge. This is going to be glorious! And I actually look forward to missing my husband and Henry - does that make sense?

YAY! So excited for you. A solo trip would be . And what a great husband you have.

He is a great hubby! I was shocked. And kept asking him "Are you sure?" "Do you think we could swing it with all of us?" "Let's crunch the numbers." "I feel guilty!" and he reassured me over and over it was good.

Congrats, Brook. That is just super!

Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it.

Woohoo, congrats on both tickers and your new job!

I'm jealous, though I think I'd totally feel like I was commiting a crime going to the world w/out my kids!

I do feel like I'm committing a crime! I had SERIOUS Mommy Guilt yesterday and just felt terrible. Yet excited. Joe told Henry that I was booking a trip for myself and Henry asked, "Where? Mickey Mouse House?" so we told him yes. His face fell for a second and then he perked back up asking me what rides I was going to go on and if I could bring him back Legos. LOL! So, it's good. It will be hard to leave that day though!

Oooooo, oooooo, oooooo thru the 1st??? We arrive on the 1st

YES! I don't leave until about 4 pm on the ME. What time do you get in???

You're going to have so much fun!

And I'm missing you by like a week, aren't I?

So happy to hear that you have a solo trip planned! Guess what! Our travel dates overlap.....we arrive on May 25th and will leave on June 4th. I started my pre-trip report yesterday and will be posting our plans tomorrow. Maybe some of our plans are the same.

Wha?! WOOT!!!!!! That would be awesome!!! I don't know if I remembered/knew you guys were going again! So, many meets! I'll try to get over to your PTR soon and see where we line up!

Solo trip...that's awesome!!!

Thanks! I'm really excited--and a bit nervous about it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

What?!?! Two tickers?!?!: Two? Oh, now I'm just plain jealous Brook! Good for you! A solo trip! How awesome. I'm sure you'll have a fabulous trip and it's only a little over a month away too. I'll tell ya what...you just stop on by my place and pick me up and we'll do a solo trip together! I promise not to use the Liesa greeting on you too!

Such great news! You must be over the moon excited!

Two! I can't believe it myself!

about the Liesa greeting!!! I'd love to pick you up - you think the pilot would mind a detour?

Congrats on the solo trip.


I sooooo need a little break right now too but I will have to wait.


Can't wait to hear a bit more about it.

Boo for having to wait. I hope that break comes soon!

It will be fun to go at your own pace and stop to take about a million pictures. I probably wouldn't ride any rides - I'd just walk around taking pictures of parks, resorts, shops, flowers, fountains, etc. the whole time!

I don't know if/for how long I would want to go solo. I'd miss having my family, but you are at a different place in life than I am. I have plenty of alone time in the evenings, which is good, since I'm with about 700 people all day, 650 of them being under 10!

Of course, you are going to have some awesome DIS friend meets, so you won't really be alone, and it won't be for long. I'm anxious to hear how it all goes. I hope it will be very refreshing and just what you need.

I have no idea how I'll do it solo. While I have gone on many of the rides solo-using baby swap or because Henry is riding with Joe or asleep - it will be strange to be alone all the time! I think I'll get used to it though. And there is a possibility of a friend joining me too. Plus, all these DIS meets popping up!

650 people under the age of 10. Teachers AMAZE me.

Hurray for a solo trip!!! How exciting!!! And you will get to ride the new Star Tours!!!

YES! I realized that last night when I started planning a bit! I'll be sure to take lots of pics and report live!

Congratulations! Super excited for you. And for another TR!

Thank you! I have no idea how I'm going to magage this one and that one! I'd like to think I could get this one done in a month, but ha ha!

Bee-you-tee-ful tickers! Can't wait to hear how the solo trip goes!

Thank you! I think they are quite purty myself.

We will be there on the 28th. We leave on Sunday the 29th!!! Maybe we could meet up on the 28th?? That would be great!

Oh boo! I arrive late on the 28th - flight lands around 8pm, so I won't get to WDW until 9-10pm...what time do you leave on the 29th/what are your plans?

Congrats! Where are you staying?

Well....1st night I'm homeless. There are NO Studios! I'm wait listed for OKW and will call back daily. The next night I'm at SSR. And the last two nights I'm at OKW. Hopefully I just get all OKW. I'm okay with moving though since it's just me, but I'd prefer one room.

Two tickers?! Are you trying to make me more jealous?! LOL. It'll be interesting to hear what you think about doing Disney solo!

I'm still in shock myself! I'm looking forward to the solo experience - just to know what it's like and also for that necessary re-charge time.

We're heading down 5/27-30 for Star Wars Weekends

I just opened your PTR! Maybe our paths will cross! I'll get caught up ASAP.

Yay for a new ticker!!!
You're going to have such a great solo trip.
I'm going to PM you either later today or sometime this weekend with some TA questions.

Sounds good! I am behind (again) on my PMs, but I will get to it.

Lucky! DH would think I was so mean if I went to WDW w/o the kids. He would want me to go somewhere else solo instead of sending where I really want to go Some people just don't understand! That sounds like so much fun though. I would love the shopping, leisurely eating and solo rider lines!

Joe didn't really get my desire for a solo trip at first. But I tried to make him understand - and eventually he did. He has NO desire to do that himself, but he's a type of person that re-charges when he's with a group/at home with others. So traveling alone would be awful and lonely to him. And thankfully it doesn't phase him about not taking Henry!

Sounds like there might be a few Dismeets to keep you busy on your solo trip

Although I can't quite imagine a solo trip (especially when for us WDW is just so far away!) I have always enjoyed the excitement of stealing some time alone whilst the girls have been napping, etc, even if it's just been to stroll around the resort, get a soda or browse the gift shop quietly!

Have you started planning yet?

There will be! I like it!!!

I enjoy those little times when H is napping too. Shopping along is pure bliss. It almost feels foreign to me now though! I don't know what to do with myself when I don't have a 3 year old asking for everything in sight.

for the TA job, the cruise and the solo trip!! So much excitement -- can't wait to hear more about everything.

It has been an exciting couple weeks!!! I will be sharing more on the solo trip before my next update.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Solo trip and a cruise?? Awesome! I definitely know what you mean about mommy time. I'm sure you will have a great time. I can't wait to read all about it.

 

[SoonerGirl]

YES! I don't leave until about 4 pm on the ME. What time do you get in???

Well that all depends on us, we'll be driving in from Atlanta, I'm hoping to be there by about 1:00.

 

[brookelizabeth]

EEK!!!! I know we've already talked about everything going on in your life, but I am so happy for you. It's blowing my brain to think about going without the hubby or kids, but to go alone... I can't even think of the possibilities!!

And a travel agent? I know you will be amazing!

BTW, I have been a lurker on this report. I'm sorry, I have been reading just not commenting. I know how you feel about Type 1 and Type 2. I am married to "wrong kind" myself.

Your Moms Only trip is what got me started all back on the wanting a solo trip! A girlfriend may be joining me for a couple of the days - so I'll have some alone and some time with her. It will be great!!!

I sure hope I am an amazing TA! I've been working hard at it, learning all the ins & outs. Hopefully I'll be able to answer any question that comes at me!

No worries about posting - thank you for reading! Some things present quite a challenge when having to figure out details with "the other type" isn't it??!

Love this update! Mommies need solo time!

We do!!

YAY on being able to plan two more trips!!!

Looking forward to hearing all about the solo trip as well as the cruise

I can't believe I have two tickers! And we will have a Disney family trip in there before the cruise. I'll be doing a PTR for the cruise, but probably not until after the family trip, which will be in Feb...hmmm...I think I need to plan out my DIS reporting schedule.

ooooooooooooooh WOW!! A solo is going to be JUST RIGHT for you!!! Congrats, Brook!!

Thank you! I think it's just enough time for me to re-charge the batteries and start to miss the hubs and kiddo.

Whoo hoo!!!! Such a loving, smart DH to encourage you to go solo. We can be our best selves for others when we are good to ourselves. So excited for you, for all the fun, exploring, DISmeets, extra sleep, & sheer freedom of a solo trip! And as ever, the blissful feeling of a trip coming up soon is such good medicine.

BTW -- Maybe it's just my Flintstones computer, but I see only one ticker in your siggie, for the solo trip. No cruise ticker. Any advice on changing settings so all tickers show up?

That is so very true about needing to take care of ourselves. And advice I need to heed more often! And thank you for the compliment on my DH, I have to agree! He didn't understand it at first, because he would never want a solo trip and can't imagine anyone enjoying it, but after I explained myself he understands. Kinda. LOL

I think the only one ticker will show on smaller screens maybe, or if your resolution is set to be really big. Or if you have a laptop, since the screens are smaller. Even on our 20" the cruise one is slightly cut off. I might re-design them a bit so it looks pretty down there again!

Congrats on your job and the solo trip

A solo trip sounds amazing. DH has said he refuses to go back for a few years, but has no problems with me going by myself. As long as I am the one to tell my 6 year old daughter I am going to Disney with out her. Not too sure how well that would turn out. However I do turn 30 next year and I think that is a perfect excuse for at least a solo weekend right?

Thank you!!!!

And yes! You do deserve a solo weekend!!! Henry took it REALLY well, better than I thought. It helped that I said I would bring him back a present.

Brook, I've been so busy and haven't been on here for a week and now besides a TA job you have not one but two trips planned!! Awesome!!! I do believe you are the Disney Queen! Pretty soon you will need to get on the Mom's Panel!

The Disney Queen! I wish! Wait - does that mean I get to live in the Castle?!?! Sign me up! I really can't believe what this past week has brought me either. So much at one time! It's been busy and wonderful!

HOLD UP!! You'll be there THROUGH the First...as in you could meet me in the morning somewhere on the 1st (I had to change my flight due to work stuff and won't be getting in until late on the 31st, boo although this makes me want to switch it back to the 6:30pm arrival LOL!!!) but either way we could have a drive by meeting of some sort!!!!!

WOOT WOOT for solo trips! I have loved my solo time at Disney!!!

Yes, yes, yes!!! I'm so looking forward to our meet! MK on the 1st? HM? Who else would be more fitting to take me on my first HM ride???

Wow, a solo trip and a cruise! I'm sure you're going to have a great time. Have you picked a resort yet?

I let Disney pick the resort for me! There are hardly any DVC rooms left...so I'm homeless still the first night, SSR the second night and OKW the other two. Hoping for OKW the entire time though.

So exciting for you! You are going to have a great time on your Solo trip plus the cruise! Can't wait to hear about both of them and the rest of your trip.

Thank you!!! I'm really excited about them all and thoughts bounce from one to the next. The cruise is so far away, but it's WONDERFUL to look at all the beautiful pictures from it...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Solo trip and a cruise?? Awesome! I definitely know what you mean about mommy time. I'm sure you will have a great time. I can't wait to read all about it.

It is so needed, isn't it? I am soooo excited and reading everyone's posts here have me even more excited!

Well that all depends on us, we'll be driving in from Atlanta, I'm hoping to be there by about 1:00.

Ahhhh, okay - we can play it by ear and hope for the best! Do you still have my cell number? Though, I can't remember if you have my old one or new one. I'll PM you!

 

[KathyRN137]

Here! Tardy, but Present!


Kathy

 

[brookelizabeth]

So, the solo trip! I booked the airfare without having a room first. It was such a good sale and Member Services was already closed...so I hoped for the best when I called today...and it wasn't pretty.

May 28 - I arrive around 8 pm. And I'm currently homeless.
May 29 - SSR
May 30 - OKW
May 31 - OKW
June 1 - ME will be around 4 pm.

I am wait listed for the 28th and 29th at OKW and hoping it comes through. If anything I just want a room, anywhere! for the 28th. I'm not too nervous about it yet. I'll keep you posted on it!

I don't have set park plans yet, but MK will be on my first full day, May 29. Rope Drop to Wishes. Can I do it? And beyond? I believe the park is open until 2 am that day. I am entertaining the idea of doing the Ultimate Touring Plan from TouringPlans.com...

I might also throw in a 4 Parks 1 Day sort of event too. Stuff Joe would NEVER want to do.

However, a girlfriend may be joining me for the trip-so if she does, I won't drag her though the Ultimate Touring Plan or 4 Parks 1 Day--unless she's up for it! Instead the trip would be much more focused on just having fun together and getting the necessary "girl talk" and laughs in. She is a fantastic friend and I was very close with her when I lived in NYC before I was married. Since I moved our friendship has remained, though naturally not quite as strong. She recently got married (hers was the wedding that was supposed to be in St. Lucia if you remember that whole thing), and we have naturally fallen a bit more out of touch. But, we just saw them this past weekend and it was wonderful - and she and I both agreed we NEED some girl time! What better way to get it???

Whatever way it works out, this is going to be a great trip! I'm grinning right now just thinking about it all!



Okay, on with the TR! Which, I will; in no way, shape or form; complete before the Solo Extravaganza!

We left off just as we headed over to Winnie the Pooh and Henry was crawling into the tree.

Inside the tree. I read that Piglet will be able to talk with you in here eventually.

Henry and a buddy he made.

We eventually pried him out of the tree and continued on...

Trees blocking off Tigger's Bounce Spot. I don't think they will ever open this...which is shame, but I get it. I wonder if they will refurb it to something a bit safer? I also wonder how in the world it passed through if it now has a safety issue after being built? Or is there an entirely different reason it's blocked off and I am misinformed?

I stuck my camera through the trees to see the bounce pads!

Once we got past here it was like a wonderland. Henry was OFF! He bounced from area to area, having a BLAST. We played in the queue for a good 45 minutes and we had to peeeeeeel him outta there!

Rabbits Garden - you and a friend pumped that lever in front up and down and the water would rain down on them so the vegetables would "grow" (get taller) and make a "growing sound" - I have no idea how to explain the sound! It was cute! But only the pumpkins worked at the time.

Watering

Pumping and growing!

Musical vegetables! This was fun! The radishes were pretty tough-they will last through kids banging on them. Henry couldn't even make them squeak - you had to basically punch them.

Similar to the radishes, but you could squeeze them easier.

Watermelon drums.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

This was a very cute area. Gophers would pop out of the holes...at first I had no idea how it was happening, it seemed very random.

And they talk some chittery gopher chat when they pop up too.

Ah-ha! Those pads in front of the gophers! You jump on them and they pop up. The more you jump, the more they appear! It was a blast! You can also see the queue line to the left. The play area is right when you first walk into the queue, then it sorta flows into a normal switch-back queue, with a few added extras.

Pulling gopher out of his hole - this was REALLY hard! That grown adult man was having a very hard time doing it! Noooo way a kid could.

But kids have fun "helping" their Daddy!

"Tomatoes". You turned a wheel and they would pop all over the place. This was a favorite of Henry's!

Video: A very shaky video of the above tomato poppers. (21 seconds) I was also playing while filming.

Looking back from the gopher area.

And after we played with the gophers a bit more...and the tomato poppers...and the music fruit and vegetables...Joe realized we now didn't have enough time to actually ride the ride before our ADR!

We made our way out of the entrance, grabbed some FPs, and headed toward The Plaza!

Up Next: The Big Apple.